Intragastric alendronate therapy in two infants with vitamin D intoxication: a new method

Alendronate Therapy in Pediatric Vitamin D Intoxication

In recent years, alendronate, an oral bisphosphonate, has been integrated into the clinical management of hypercalcemia secondary to vitamin D intoxication in children. While effective, this pharmacological intervention is known to carry specific risks regarding gastrointestinal health.

Risks of Oral Alendronate Administration

Traditional oral administration of alendronate is associated with significant side effects in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The primary clinical concerns include:

• Mucosal ulcerations in the oral cavity.
• Ulcerative lesions within the esophagus.

Alternative Administration Routes: Nasogastric Tube

To mitigate potential complications and ensure effective delivery, alternative methods are being explored. This report details our clinical experience with two infants suffering from vitamin D intoxication.

In these specific cases, alendronate therapy was administered through a nasogastric tube. This approach serves as an alternate route for alendronate administration, potentially bypassing direct mucosal contact in the mouth and esophagus.